From January to November this year, a staggering 342 patients were admitted at Letsholathebe II Memorial Hospital for various mental health conditions, including schizophrenia, multi-drug use, acute psychosis, depression and schizoaffective disorders.
This was revealed by Chief Registered Nurse and psychiatric war in charge, Kgomotso Ramatu, who said the increase reflects both clinical and social pressures faced by young and middle-aged people in Maun.
Ramatu explained that the main causes of mental disorder among those admitted include genetic factors, drug use, social stressors and physical illnesses. She noted that those most affected fall between the ages of 14 and 40, a group she described as especially vulnerable due to rapid life transitions, economic pressures and increased exposure to substances. She added that men are the most affected because “they engage in risky behaviours such as use of alcohol and drugs,” and also have “poor help-seeking behaviours,” which often results in delayed treatment.
The pattern observed at Letsholathebe is consistent with the WHO World Mental Health Report, which notes that “population surveys of ‘mental health literacy’ showing that men are less likely than women to report mental disorders” and that men typically make less use of available health services. The report further highlights that mental disorders in young people are significantly driven by behavioural risks, stating that mental conditions account for “16% of the burden of disease in people aged 10–19 years,” with substance use disorders being a major contributor.
Stigma also plays a significant role in suppressing help-seeking among men. The report notes that “stigma marks certain groups more heavily than others,” especially in environments where expressing emotional distress is discouraged.
This mirrors Ramatu’s observation that many male patients do not seek care until their conditions have worsened. The WHO report also underlines the severity of untreated mental illness, noting that more than 700,000 people die by suicide each year and describing suicide as a major global health burden. In another section, the report warns that economic downturns “hit the poorest groups the hardest,” intensifying risks linked to suicide and severe mental distress. These dynamics reflect the broader pressures facing working-age men, both globally and locally.
Ramatu said that to support affected individuals, Letsholathebe II Memorial Hospital provides psychotherapy, medications and counselling delivered by clinical workers. She emphasised the need for early intervention and stronger community education to reduce stigma and encourage timely help-seeking, especially among young men who remain the most vulnerable yet least likely to seek care until crises occur.
